Georgetown church deacon positively impacts children’s futures by serving as a CASA volunteer

CASA Volunteer Grace Ross

A Georgetown woman’s decision to sign up as a CASA volunteer about three years ago has helped change the course of eight children’s lives.

Grace Ross said she learned about Scott County’s Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program through articles in the Georgetown News-Graphic.

“When I read a story of how a CASA volunteer saved a child’s life, I immediately went to the CASA website and filled out the application,” she said. “Being a CASA volunteer is so important because you are giving a child a voice.”

CASA volunteers are matched with children in the local family court system who have suffered abuse or neglect. Each volunteer visits their CASA child monthly, giving them a consistent, positive adult who takes an interest in them, tells them they matter, and advocates for whatever they need.

Ross has served as a CASA volunteer for almost three years and has been able to change the course of her CASA children’s lives for the better in remarkable ways, said her Volunteer Manager, Roxana Del Campo.

“Grace shows how important it is to show up for children,” Del Campo said. “Grace’s compassion and her monthly visits with the children help her establish a positive relationship that enables the whole family to openly communicate when issues arise.”

Because of her effective work for children, Del Campo nominated Ross to be a Volunteer of the Month for the whole seven-county CASA region that includes Scott County.

Ross is a mom to two and a grandmother to one. She also serves as a deacon at IBC Georgetown, where she facilitates a GriefShare ministry and a Guest Experience ministry.

“I always tell people, if you are looking to make a difference in a child’s life, please consider CASA,” she said. “These kids deserve to be loved.”

Anyone interested in becoming a CASA volunteer can learn more at www.casaoflexington.org.